The Highway

Buzz Brainard was raised on country music and his dad’s old vinyl records. His journey to Nashville and radio has taken him from Michigan to NYC to Los Angeles. Brainard has worked as the voice of Disney Channel, hosted shows such as This Week In Baseball and Maximum Exposure, and appeared in films, TV shows, and commercials. It’s been a crazy ride, but Brainard feels at home here in Music City with his SiriusXM family. In addition to his love of music, it’s golf, bourbon, and baseball for Buzz.

Jessica Wade grew up with horses, dogs, chickens, motocross, and hockey. ’Nuff said.

Growing up in Massachusetts, Ania Hammar didn’t discover country music until high school, but after hearing artists and groups like LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Sugarland, Keith Urban, and Rascal Flatts for the first time, she was hooked. Since then, she’s fallen even more in love with the storytelling and songwriting our Highway artists bring to the table, and she’s the first to admit she’s a total fangirl. Catch her weekdays with Buzz Brainard during the Music Row Happy Hour before she takes over The Highway solo each night.

Macie Banks is a Georgia girl through-and-through, but you may be surprised to learn that she didn't grow up belting out what you probably consider the "classics." It was the Rascal Flatts album in her Easter basket in middle school that opened her eyes to a whole new world. By that time, she already knew she had loved the camera (and the microphone), but over time, she found her passion. Catch Macie Banks (that's Macie with an i e) weekdays 12 pm – 4 pm ET on the Highway!

Tommy Massad fell in love with country music as a child, singing along to the radio in his parents’ car. After college and a long drive from his hometown of Austin, he arrived in Nashville to start a career in country music with SiriusXM.

Now, Tommy is a Highway radio host, a songwriter, and a roadie touring with Kenny Chesney for SiriusXM’s No Shoes Radio. From the airwaves, to the writer’s rooms, to the tour bus, Tommy’s made a lot of memories and witnessed all the beauty in how country music is made from start to finish. This music is a force for good in the world–find connection and community with Tommy on the radio.

Cody Alan is as beloved by the Nashville stars he covers, as he is by country music fans. As TV host of CMT’s flagship music show, his face is seen weekly on Hot 20 Countdown. On radio, he’s been heard by millions, making him “Country’s Renaissance Man” (Radio Ink), and the ultimate insider. His popular memoir Hear’s The Thing was released in 2021, which features many of Cody’s on air adventures, his coming out story, and the lessons learned by truly listening.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Cody leapt at the first opportunity to be heard on the airwaves at age fifteen. With a single-minded determination to succeed, he built his reputation as a highly regarded radio host over the next two decades. He has won multiple awards including being named 2021 National On-Air Personality of the Year by the Country Music Association, as well as the Academy of Country Music’s Personality of the Year twice. Additionally, he was a nine-time recipient of the Country Music Director of the Year award during his tenure in Dallas, Texas.

Cody has opened up beyond the microphone, allowing many country fans to see themselves in his journey. At the start of 2017, Cody made national headlines by boldly coming out as gay. He partners with GLAAD to host the annual Concert for Love and Acceptance. Most recently, Cody received the 2022 Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign for his efforts leading in the LGBTQ+ community.

Cody’s support for the military has been a key aspect of his efforts to give back. Over the years, he’s traveled around the globe to support the men and women of the armed forces at US military bases in Bahrain, Alaska, Arizona, Washington, South Korea, Florida, and more. With the inclusion of the American Forces Network, Cody’s shows have been heard on over 1000 bases and naval carriers in 160 countries.

Keith Urban—the man himself—said Cody “makes Ryan Seacrest look like a slacker.” Cody is a father of two, and when he’s not on the air, enjoys spending time with his partner and family. He was also named one of “Nashville’s Most Beautiful People” by Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Ashley is originally from Indiana but calls Tennessee home. She is most definitely southern at heart. The biggest joy in her life is being a mom to two little ones. When she’s not on the radio, you can find Ashley either in her craft room or out in the barn. She has a mini farm and owns rescue horses, pigs, and LOTS of chickens! Chicken math is real! (Just look it up.)